It’s even more unnerving to have a moist or damp crawl space when you don’t know what caused it or how it’s impacting the underlying structure. Only a comprehensive check will identify the issues you’re dealing with. Is wetness in the crawl space, on the other hand, a warning sign or a regular occurrence?
Crawl space dampness is a very common occurrence in any home, particularly in areas where precipitation and humidity levels are high for most of the year. As a result, moisture is likely to form in your crawl area. Whatever the case may be, it’s a good idea for you to keep an eye on this area from time to time.
How Do You Check Your Crawl Space Area For Moisture?
It’s challenging to identify if you have a moisture problem in your crawl space if there are no moisture indications. Using a hygrometer to check humidity levels appears to be the most reasonable option. You have an issue if the humidity levels are greater than 50% for numerous days. Inspect the walls and floors of your crawl space as well. Keep an eye out for mold, moisture, or musty odors.
Lowering humidity levels is advantageous in a variety of ways. It not only cuts heating and cooling costs by 25%, but it also helps prevent additional issues like mildew and rust, which are common with condensation.
Moisture buildup promotes the growth of wood-eating creatures such as rats and termites. They’ll take over the crawl space, contaminate it with feces, and chew your wooden structures when they get in. As a result, the underlying structures will deteriorate in a few months, potentially jeopardizing the structural stability of your property. Mold, mildew, and other microorganisms can also be harmful to your family’s health.
Eliminating or limiting the variables that support high humidity levels is the best and most effective strategy to manage moisture levels and prevent mold formation in your house. Here are some excellent crawl space prevention strategies you may implement to keep it dry.
Preventative Measures
- Inspecting Damage And Repair
Look for any gaps or cracks that small creatures, cockroaches, or mice might exploit to get into your crawl space. For example, crawling insects and vermin are naturally destructive, tearing insulation and chewing on timber structures and electrical lines. Once they’ve gained access to your home, you can anticipate them to behave even worse.
As a result, you’ll want to make sure the crawl area has no access or exit points. Foam insulation, caulking, or wood can be used to plug holes. Even the tiniest openings should not be left uncovered since a mouse can squeeze through them. To get inside, they only require a quarter-inch gap.
Check for any leaks that may be causing water to drip into your crawl area. Pay special care to the plumbing and air-conditioning ducts. We strongly urge you to insulate your plumbing system, as this will assist in preventing condensation in the event of a cold spell. Also, resolve any other issues you find as quickly as feasible.
- Install A Vapor Barrier
To effectively keep moisture out of your crawl space, investing in a reliable Crawl Space Vapor Barrier is essential. The vapor barrier acts as a protective layer between the ground and your home, preventing moisture from penetrating through exposed dirt floors. By creating a barrier that resists the transfer of water vapor, you can significantly reduce the risk of moisture-related problems. Installing a Crawl Space Vapor Barrier is a proactive step towards safeguarding your home’s foundation and structural integrity.
You should consider sealing your crawl area if it has exposed dirt floors. Ground moisture seeps into your home through exposed dirt flooring, raising humidity levels. Vapor barriers are helpful for keeping moisture out of your crawl space.
Before cutting the polyurethane sheet to size, your local contractor will measure the crawl area. They’ll then tape down the barrier, which will be distributed tight over the floor and across the walls. Encapsulation can lower moisture levels in your crawl space by 50% and keep it dry for many years if done correctly.
- Get A Humidifier
Moisture can go through the roof during hot and humid months, causing difficulties. Don’t let it get out of hand. Get a dehumidifier and use it to keep the humidity in your crawl area under control. A crawl space dehumidifier gathers and condenses excess moisture in the air before ejecting it as water, keeping your crawl space dry and clean. We propose models that are both energy-efficient and self-draining.
- Cover The Vents
A crawl area that isn’t aired is filthy and unhealthy. Open vents enable outside air, water, and pests free access to your property, resulting in a slew of other issues such as flooding, dampness, and structural support damage, among others. To keep these annoyances out, make sure all vents are covered with airtight coverings.
- Position Your Downspouts and Gutters Properly
When it rains, all gutters and downspouts should point away from your house; otherwise, water may run back. Repositioning your downspouts helps to reduce backflows toward your home’s foundation, as well as other water-related issues.
Please make sure the gutters are clear and not clogged with leaves and debris while you’re at it.
- Installing A Sump Pump
Install a sump pump in the lowest section of the crawl space as part of your flood-prevention plan. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to predict when it will flood. However, the sump pump will remove significant amounts of water if they get in, such as after an intense downpour or a burst pipe, before they amass and cause damage.
- Being Vigilant
Maintain vigilance and do routine inspections and maintenance. Fix any problems that arise before they cause damage to your crawl area. Cleaning your crawl space on a regular basis will also help to keep it clean and dry. Keep in mind that the sooner you notice any indicators of crawl space moisture, such as mold, the easier it will be to remove it and stop its spread.
Are you having trouble keeping moisture out of your home and avoiding a Damp Crawl Space? Then, schedule a free crawl space examination with Carolina Crawlspace Pros to discover more about the true causes of the dampness and to find long-term remedies.
